A source in parliament said that Bhumjaithai MP and party registrar Supachai Jaisamut has written to inform House Speaker Chuan Leekpai that nine MPs from the disbanded FFP have applied to join Bhumjaithai. This brings the number of Bhumjaithai MPs to 61, surpassing the Democrats to make it the second-largest party in the coalition, the source said. "Bhumjaithai is good enough to attract other MPs without the need to resort to such methods," Mr Anutin said. Wirat Phanthumapol, one of the nine defecting MPs, said Mr Anutin had approached him to join Bhumjaithai several months ago. He said he decided to join Bhumjaithai without hesitation because he has been on good terms with Mr Anutin for 20 years.

Source: Bangkok Post February 25, 2020 23:26 UTC